Nearness to God and the Depth of Faith According to the Gospel

The Joy and Rapture of Faith According to the Gospel

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews, 10:22)

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them... tested him [Jesus] with this question: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law [among God's commandments]?" Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment." (Matthew, 22:34-38)

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (James, 4:7-8)

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith... became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. (Hebrews, 11:6-7)

For where two or three come together in My name, there am I with them. (Matthew, 18:20)

"The God Who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth... He Himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. 'For in Him we live [we live only to gain God's good pleasure] and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are [by God's blessing] His offspring.'" (Acts, 17:24-28)

Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God [in the way which will please God]. It was for the sake of the Name [for God's sake] that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. (3 John, 1:5-7)

"... Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord [while seeking God's approval] from now on."... "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them [because they will receive their rewards in the hereafter]." (Revelation, 14:13)

Those who obey God's commands live in Him [lives in a way that complies with God's approval], and He in them [God gives mercy to that person]... (1 John, 3:24)

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. (2 Peter, 1:5-7)

These have come so that your faith... may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor... (1 Peter, 1:7)

... Obey your earthly masters [obedience to God's commandments]... and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward... (Colossians, 3:22-24)

Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. (2 Corinthians, 1:12)

For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God... (Romans, 10:10)

The goal of this instruction is love that flows from a pure heart, from a clear conscience, and from a sincere faith. (1 Timothy, 1:5)

They must hold firmly to the secret of the faith with clear consciences. (1 Timothy, 3:9)

Be shepherds of God's flock that is among you [be guide to other believers you are responsible for], watching over it, not because you must but because you want to, and not greedily but eagerly, as God desires. Do not lord it over the people entrusted to you, but be examples to the flock. (1 Peter, 5:2-3)

Do not do this only while you're being watched in order to please them... do the will of God with all your heart. Serve willingly, as if you were serving the Lord and not merely people, because you know that everyone will receive a reward from the Lord for whatever good he has done, whether he is a slave or free. (Ephesians, 6:6-8)

So that your faith would not be based on human wisdom but on God's power. (1 Corinthians, 2:5)

But the ones on the good soil are the people who hear the word but also hold on to it with good and honest hearts, producing a crop through endurance." (Luke, 8:15)

When he [Barnabas] arrived [to Antioch], he rejoiced to see what the grace of God had done, and with hearty determination he kept encouraging all of them to remain faithful to the Lord. For he was a good man, full of... faith. And so a large number of people was brought to the Lord. (Acts, 11:23-24)

Nearness and Devotion to and Genuine Faith in God According to the Gospel

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. (Romans, 12:11)

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James, 1:2-4)

For in my inner being I delight in God's law [God's commandments]. (Romans, 7:22)

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord [in the service you make on God's path] is not in vain. (1 Corinthians, 15:58)

Who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him [for God's approval]; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him [as a prophet of God] and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter, 1:5-9)

My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of His power [God's Revelation], so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power. (1 Corinthians, 2:4-5)

Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy. (Luke, 1:58)

And the disciples were filled with joy and with God's Spirit. (Acts, 13:52)

Rejoice in the Lord [your faith in God] always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians, 4:4)

I have been reminded of your sincere faith... I remind you to fan into flame [increase] the gift of God... (2 Timothy, 1:5-6)

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind [what I did in the past] and straining toward what is ahead [what I will do in the future], I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me [in His promise]... (Philippians, 3:13-14)

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you... (1 Thessalonians, 5:15-18)

Yet when I preach the Gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel! If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the Gospel I may offer it free of charge... (1 Corinthians, 9:16-18)

For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord... all the joy we have in the Presence of our God... (1 Thessalonians, 3:8-9)

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven [in the hereafter], for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew, 5:11-12)

[Jesus:] "The kingdom of heaven [paradise] is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field." (Matthew, 13:44)

How blessed is this woman for believing that what was spoken to her by the Lord would be fulfilled!" And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One [my Lord], has done great things [He has done me a great favor] for me holy is His name. (Luke, 1:45-49)

David said... : "I saw the Lord always before me [I always felt God's help]. Because He is at my right hand [because I am under God's mercy], I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope... You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence. (Acts, 2:25-28)

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved [the ones who were guided to the true path]. (Acts, 2:46-47)

For the kingdom of God [paradise], is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the God's Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ [to earn God's good pleasure] in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. (Romans, 14:17-18)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope... (Romans, 15:13)

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command [for God's good pleasure] is this: Love each other as I have loved you... You are my friends [for God's sake] if you do what I command. (John, 15:11-14)

... "[By His mercy] God has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; He provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy." (Acts, 14:16-17)

It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as God commanded us. (2 John 1:4)

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life [the promise of paradise] to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Timothy, 6:11-12)

They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience (1 Timothy, 3:9)

So then, my brothers, keep on rejoicing in the Lord... (Philippians, 3:1)

And so, my dear friends... continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. (Philippians, 2:12)

For this very reason, you must make every effort to supplement your faith with moral character, your moral character with knowledge, your knowledge with self-control, your self-control with endurance, your endurance with godliness, your godliness with brotherly kindness, and your brotherly kindness with love. (2 Peter, 1:5-7)

... If there is any compassion and sympathy, then fill me with joy by having the same attitude, sharing the same love, being united in spirit, and keeping one purpose in mind. (Philippians, 2:1-2)

So then, encourage one another and build each other up, as you are doing. (1 Thessalonians, 5:11)

In the same way, you also should rejoice and share your joy with me. (Philippians, 2:18)

See what great earnestness godly sorrow [difficulties you face on God's path] has produced in you! How ready you are to clear yourselves... how alarmed, how full of longing and enthusiasm... (2 Corinthians, 7:11)

But we want each of you to continue to be diligent to the very end, in order to give full assurance to your hope. Then, instead of being lazy, you will imitate those who are inheriting the promises through faith and patience. (Hebrews, 6:11-12)

Soundness and Depth of Faith According to the Gospel

If you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the Gospel... (Colossians, 1:23)

My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the [God's] Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power. (1 Corinthians, 2:4-5)

Therefore since we have... Jesus... let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. (Hebrews, 4:14)

This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. (1 John, 5:4)

Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear... Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom [paradise] and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word [because of obeying God's commandments], he quickly falls away. The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown." (Matthew, 13:3-9; 18-23)

... Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm. (2 Corinthians, 1:24)

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all... and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. (James, 1:5-8)

... [Jesus:] "... Only hold on to what you have [your faith] until I come." (Revelation, 2:24-25)

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corithians 15:58)

But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray... Keep yourselves in God's love... to bring you to eternal life. (Jude, 1:20-21)

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life [paradise]. (Revelation, 2:10)

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, Who called you to His eternal glory... after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever. Ameen. (1 Peter, 5:8-11)

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." (1 Peter, 3:13-14)

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you [the hereafter]... As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He [God] Who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I [God] am holy." (1 Peter, 1:13-16)

By faith Noah, when warned [by God] about things not yet seen, in holy fear [of God] built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren—was enabled to become a father because he considered Him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore. All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. (Hebrews, 11:7-13)

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He Who promised is faithful. (Hebrews, 10:23)

God... will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. (Hebrews, 6:10-12)

If you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the Gospel. This is the Gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant [who is responsible to spread God's revelation]. (Colossians, 1:23)

Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy, 2:22)

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. And for this we labor and strive, that we have put our hope in the living God, Who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe. (1 Timothy, 4:8-10)

... Do not neglect your gift [the faith which is God's blessing]... Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. (1 Timothy, 4:14-16)

... Do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through... your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of ... Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians, 5:20-23)

For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. (Romans, 8:24-25)

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. (2 Corinthians, 4:16)

"'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." (Mark, 9:23)

When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew, 19:25-26)

Those who heard this asked, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." (Luke, 18:26-27)

Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew, 17:19-21)

"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him." (Mark, 11:22-23)

Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! It will be done just as you believed it would." And his servant was healed at that very hour. (Matthew, 8:13)

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. (Hebrews, 11:6)

I pray that He would give you, according to His glorious riches, strength in your inner being... Then, having been rooted and grounded in love, you will be able to understand, along with all the saints, what is wide, long, high, and deep- that is, you will know the love of the Messiah, which transcends knowledge, and will be filled with all the fullness of God [with perfected faith]. (Ephesians, 3:16-19)

... For this reason, sharply correct believers so that they continue to have faith that is alive and well. They shouldn't pay attention to... myths or commands given by people who are always rejecting the truth. (Titus, 1:13-14)

Profound Reflection According to the Gospel

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. (Luke, 2:19)

Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. (2 Timothy, 2:7)

Brothers, think about your own calling... (1 Corinthians, 1:26)

... And the others should weigh carefully what is said. (1 Corinthians, 14:29)

Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults. (1 Corinthians, 14:20)

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians, 4:8)

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews, 10:24-25)

... Set your hearts on things above [those things that are valuable in God's Sight]... Set your minds on things above[in God's Sight], not on earthly things. (Colossians, 3:1-2)

... Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? (Mark, 8:17)

Consider him [Jesus' exemplary faith] who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews, 12:3)

We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. (James, 3:2-7)

Passages Regarding God's Secret Knowledge According to the Gospel

"The Lord has done this for me," she said. (Luke, 1:25)

... There is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. (Romans, 13:1)

For where two or three come together in My name, there am I with them. (Matthew, 18:20)

God did this so that men would seek Him... and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. 'For in Him we live and move and have our being.' [God encompasses everything, everything happens with the permission of God]... 'We are His offspring.' (Acts, 17:27-28)

On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them[God made them instruments], and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. (Acts, 14:27)

When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them [God made them instruments]. (Acts, 15:4)

... And the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!" [God encompasses everywhere, He witnesses everyone every moment] (1 Corinthians, 14:25)

Jesus said, "... I do nothing on my own but speak just what God has taught me." (John, 8:28)

For I did not speak of my own accord, but God Who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know that His command leads to eternal life [paradise]. So whatever I say is just what God has told me to say." (John, 12:49-50)

The One Who sent me is with me; He has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases Him." Even as He spoke, many put their faith in Him [God]. (John, 8:29-30)

And the Gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the SpiritofGod. (Mark, 13:10-11)

But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of God speaking through you. (Matthew, 10:19-20)

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. (Hebrews, 11:1-3)

Passages Regarding the Temporary Nature of the Life of This World According to the Gospel

Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life..." (John, 6:27)

... Live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers... (1 Peter, 1:17-18)

What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? (Luke, 9:25)

What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? (Mark, 8:36-37)

What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew, 16:26)

... He [the rich man] will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. (James, 1:9-11)

... For this world in its present form is passing away. (1 Corinthians, 7:31)

People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. (Luke, 17:27-29)

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, Who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (1 Timothy, 6:17-19)

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen [wordly gain], but on what is unseen [rewards of the hereafter]. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal hereafter. (2 Corinthians, 4:18)

What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on... those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep... For this world in its present form is passing away... (1 Corinthians, 7:29-31)

"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own?" (Luke, 16:10-12)

We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. (1 Corinthians, 2:6)

Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven... For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened... so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now it is God Who has made us for this very purpose... (2 Corinthians, 5:1-5)

... For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true... (1 Corinthians, 15:52-54)

He also says, "In the beginning, O Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the (Your) work... They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But You remain the same, and your years will never end." (Hebrews, 1:10-12)

For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever." And this is the word that was preached to you. (1 Peter, 1:24-25)

The end of all things is near... (1 Peter, 4:7)

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of God is not in Him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of His eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from God but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. (1 John, 2:15-17)

"Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray..." (Luke, 21:34-36)

Set your minds on things above [in the hereafter], not on earthly things. (Colossians, 3:2)

Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown (Mark, 4:18-20)

Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death [wrath of hell]. Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. (James, 1:14-16)

... In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple. "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out. "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." (Luke, 14:33-35)

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. (James, 4:1-4)

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face [in the hereafter]. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (1 Corinthians, 13:12)

"There was a rich man who... lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table... The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side... Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.'" (Luke, 16:19-25)

"Stop storing up treasures for yourselves on earth, where moths and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But keep on storing up treasures for yourselves in heaven [in the hereafter], where moths and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal, because where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew, 6:19-21)

Dear friends, I urge you as aliens and exiles [in the world] to keep on abstaining from the desires of the flesh that wage war against the soul. Continue to live such upright lives among the Gentiles... (1 Peter, 2:11-12)

Because we do not look for things that can be seen but for things that cannot be seen. For things that can be seen are temporary, but things that cannot be seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians, 4:18)

For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life [paradise] to which you were called... (1 Timothy, 6:7-12)

"The land of a certain rich man produced good crops. So he began to think to himself, 'What should I do, since I have no place to store my crops?' Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and I'll store all my grain and goods in them. Then I'll say to myself, "You've stored up plenty of good things for many years. Take it easy, eat, drink, and enjoy yourself."' But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded back from you. Now who will get the things you've accumulated?' That's how it is with the person who stores up treasures for himself rather than with God." (Luke, 12:16-21)

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